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Muscle To Masterpiece: The Greatest Chevrolet SS Models Ever Made

It’s amazing how two simple letters can pack so much meaning for car enthusiasts. Chevrolet and its “Super Sport” models, or SS for short, have been a truly dominating force in the auto world since the early 1960s. The SS series was one of the first “royal family” models in GM’s stable. Technically, the SS designation was introduced in the late 1950s for a special track-only Corvette.

But it became truly well-known when those two S were bolted on the fenders of the 1961 Impala. That was the exact moment when the SS moniker became legendary and set the path forth for many cars that followed. Muscle car fans remember these fire-breathing GM beasts as some of the finest muscle cars of Detroit’s Golden Age, and for good reason. Check out the greatest car that bore the coveted SS designation right here.

Photo Credit: Mecum

1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 409

The legendary 196q Impala SS (Super Sport) package has its place in muscle car history as a very important model that promoted performance to the general public. This was one of the first high-performance automobiles that were relatively affordable and fast. Everything started when Chevrolet decided to transform its 409 truck engine for use in passenger cars and found out it could outrun all other cars on the road. Just with mild modifications to the engine, it could produce up to 409 HP, enough to propel the Impala from 0 to 60 mph in just six seconds flat (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Mecum

At the time that was Corvette territory. So as a mid-year introduction, Chevrolet presented the SS package. It featured bucket seats, sports trim, and other details. It came with a 348 V8 engine with 350 HP. However, the most interesting option was the 409 V8 with up to 409 HP if you opted for the dual quad intake system. Even though Chevrolet sold over a million of its full-size models, it only made 456 Impalas SS models that year. Out of those, only 142 Impalas came with the 409 engine. Interestingly, the 409 option was available for all Chevrolet full-size models in 1961. Hence, Chevrolet could make sedans and wagons with 409, but those cars have yet to surface. Today, the 1961 Impala SS 409 is one of the most valuable cars in Chevrolet’s storied muscle car history.

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Disastrous: Cars That Almost Bankrupted The Big Three Automakers

It’s not a secret that the automotive industry is built around sales success. If a car isn’t selling or it is controversial (perhaps even both), it means the difference between millions of dollars or a huge loss for the company that made it. Many automotive companies were bankrupted for many reasons, and indeed the car industry is cutthroat. But even the most successful automotive companies have had close calls with failed projects. For example, the exalted Ford Motor Company has teetered on collapse more than once.

The most catastrophic events in the automotive industry have centered around vehicles like the Ford Pinto, which had an exploding gas tank, or the Chevrolet Corvair, which was dubbed unsafe at any speed by the United States Congress. But companies like Ford and GM always found ways to heal the damaged reputation from these vehicles. However, there is no denying that these cars from the big three automakers almost bankrupted their companies at one point or another. Look back at these infamous moments in automotive history right here.

Photo Credit: Bring a Trailer

Ford Pinto

The Pinto was a car that was designed to help consumers with the high fuel prices of the 1970s. Automakers moved toward fuel-efficient cars and thus the Pinto was at the forefront for Ford Motor Company. The debacle that happened with the fuel tank was understandably enough to cause the car to have a great deal of controversy surrounding it (via Tort Museum).

Ford Maverick
Photo Credit: Car Domain

The Pinto was initially a great selling vehicle for Ford but that luster quickly wore off. The car was plagued by all kinds of other quality issues. Surprisingly enough Ford based the third-generation Mustang on the Pinto platform. The car was a far cry from the muscle car that it once was and the Pinto was a joke overall for car buyers.

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American Beauty: Classic Cars That Are Simply Stunning When Modded

Car modifying is a multi-billion-dollar industry ranging from a simple sticker set to expensive, advanced engine changes and body kits. With so many choices out there, the only limiting factor is money. Most of the time, drivers need a lot of cash to turn an ordinary car into something special after it’s been modded.

Car fans love to see an adequately modified car. And many of those fans pay close attention to classic American cars that went through the hands of talented engineers and designers. That’s why we’re going to showcase our favorite American classic cars that are simply stunning when modified. These American classics set the template for so many enthusiasts around the world, so enjoy them here.

Photo Credit: Mecum

Yenko Stinger

Everybody knows about the fantastic Yenko 427 Camaros. But did you know about the Yenko Stinger, a race-prepared Corvair that won the SCCA championship? Even before the Camaros, Yenko produced at least 100 white Yenko Stingers with a special suspension, modified bodies, and 160-190 HP flat-six engines (via Hemmings).

Photo Credit: Silodrome

The cars proved to be very competitive and stable compared to other SCCA competitors. However, when the Camaro was introduced, Yenko turned to 427 conversions and the Yenko Stinger project was put on hold. Today, those white coupes are highly sought after by collectors.

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Behind The Scenes: Exclusive Rides Owned By Ken Block and Other Racing Legends

Ken Block was one of the most well-known motorsports superstars in the world. His unique brand Hoonigan became a household name in the rally car world. To be a rally car racer, you need to have a certain sense of danger, and Block pushed that envelope every day. His love for the rally car circuit and motorsports helped his career spanning over three decades. With the untimely loss of Block in a recent snowmobile crash, the motorsports world will never be the same.

Block left his mark on the automotive world, thanks in no small part to his insane, unique car collection. Other racing legends in the industry have also been known to have expensive car collections. People like Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. love to drive in civilian life almost as much as they did on the racetrack. With a substantial net worth of millions of dollars, there’s no surprise that these car enthusiasts can afford whatever they want to drive. To celebrate Block and the mark he made on the car world, we looked at the fast and expensive rides owned by him and other racing legends here.

Photo Credit: Instagram

2013 Ford F-150 Raptortrax (Ken Block)

One of the perks of being a famous auto celebrity like Ken Block is that you have the money to build your dream toys. Block did exactly that with the 2013 Ford F-150 Raptortrax. The Raptortrax was a specialty truck designed to be a giant snowmobile. Block showed off the Raptortrax for Motor Trend Magazine and annihilated mountains of snow (via SV Off-Road).

Photo Credit: Instagram

The 2013 Ford F-150 Raptortrax was a purpose-built project by Block. The idea behind the truck was to build something that climbs even the snowiest mountains. The Raptortrax took everything great about the Ford Raptor to the next level.

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Controversial American Sports Cars That Divided The Auto World

Car fans both new and experienced know that the American car industry has produced more than a few amazing machines. Of course, many drivers will immediately think of the Mustang or Corvette. But the truth is that US manufacturers have produced many more pure sports cars. Some of them never achieved mainstream success and some did, and many more were controversial.

All of these cars featured powerful engines, streamlined bodies, and exciting performance. Some of these inspired their own kind of controversy as well. So today we’ll concentrate on controversial models that sparked discussion amongst the fans. These cars erupted on the scene and offered more questions than answers. Check out the American sports cars that divided the auto world right here.

Photo Credit: Motor1

Callaway Aerowagen

Rives Callaway established Callaway Cars in 1977, long after the muscle car craze wound down. At the time, high-horsepower performance machines were a thing of the past. He specialized in producing turbocharger kits for European cars. His knowledge, expertise and the start of the turbo era perfectly lined up. As a result, the company took off (via Callaway Cars). During the 1980s, Callaway became known for its series of fast, obscenely powerful Corvettes.

Photo Credit: Motor1

Today, almost 30 years later, Callaway is back with the Aerowagen conversion model. Based on a brand-new C7 Corvette available on all trim levels, the Aerowagen is a conversion kit directly from Callaway or authorized dealers. The kit includes a special rear hatch assembly that transforms the C7 Corvette into a fully functional shooting brake. Small companies produced several shooting brake/wagon conversions on various Corvette models. Still, Callaway’s design is the most advanced, well-designed, and tested. Overall, it improved the design by making it more practical.

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Gone Forever: Forgotten Car Brands That Disappeared From The Auto World

Brands like Ford, General Motors, and others have become synonymous with the auto industry and cars overall. But many lesser-known car companies have come and gone over the years. Brands like American Motors (AMC), DeLorean, and even International have entered and exited the automotive market. Those brands that disappeared all brought something to the table at one point in time.

But ultimately, these companies had many issues with funding, sales, and/or design flaws. Some companies like Packard tried new designs and technology far ahead of their time. The aforementioned AMC was a company once ahead of the pack but it fell behind by the 1970s and ’80s. Automotive brands like DeLorean had great concepts, but the final product didn’t resonate with consumers. Check out these lesser-Known car brands that disappeared from the auto world forever right here.

Photo Credit: Mecum

DeLorean Motor Company

DeLorean Motor Company, or DMC for short, was founded by legendary automotive executive John DeLorean. The brand debuted on the market in 1975. The company goal was to build a different kind of sports car. Delorean sought government assistance by building the DeLorean factory in an area with high unemployment. The original DeLorean factory was built in 1978 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The DMC DeLorean is a mid-engined car, what a performance car from this era should be (via Britannica).

Photo Credit: Mecum

Unfortunately, the DMC was the only model the company produced. The automotive media lambasted the car for its underwhelming performance number of 0-60 in 10.5 seconds. They also didn’t like the inability to choose any color other than stainless steel. The fact that the car couldn’t be painted caused a lot of frustration among consumers who would have otherwise purchased a DMC. Coupled with John DeLorean’s takedown by the FBI, the brand was bankrupt by the early 1980s.

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Rare Power: These Classic Muscle Cars Could Make You A Millionaire

Most drivers know that the prices of classic muscle cars have gone through the roof. It can indeed take a millionaire to win some of the classic car auctions we see today. It all started in the ’90s when people rushed to snap the cars they lusted over in their youth, making $5000 cars worth $50,000 overnight. But it didn’t stop there. Rare, desirable cars equipped with special options had even more significant price hikes.

These made certain vehicles worth over $1,000,000. It was an important milestone for muscle car culture. Today, the price tag of $1 million is not uncommon in the classic muscle car world. Here are several cars that could make you a millionaire someday if you’re lucky enough to own them and put them up for sale.

Ford thunderbird
Photo Credit: Car Domain

Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt

In 1963, Pontiac, Chevrolet, and GM were out of factory-supported racing. Mopar dominated the strip with the Max Wedge. But that was about to change when Ford introduced a factory-built drag racer called the Fairlane Thunderbolt for the 1964 season.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Built using a plain Fairlane two-door sedan body and removing all but the essentials, the Thunderbolt was all about lightweight and power. The interior was spartan and the trim was removed. Ford realized that van-sourced bucket seats were lighter than the standard bench, so the Thunderbolt had two small seats in the front. Under the hood was the new 427 V8 FE with a factory output of 425 HP. However, experts think the actual output was closer to 600 HP since the engine had a special intake manifold, high-performance heads, and special pistons (via Auto Evolution).

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The Most Futuristic Electric Cars You Won’t Believe Actually Exist

The auto industry is constantly changing and moving toward the future. The cars you see today will be completely different tomorrow. A big reason for that is that electric cars have been making inroads into the auto industry since the 1990s when battery technology matured. But it’s only been in the last 10 years that electric cars have become a staple of everyday driving. The electric cars that we often see as concept vehicles are unbelievably futuristic.

But all these cars actually exist, albeit in concept and production forms. Consumers are more welcoming toward electric cars now than ever before. From the Cybertruck to the Rivian R1, there are more reasons than ever to embrace an electric car. So we looked at the most futuristic electric cars that you won’t believe actually exist. These were and are cars that set the standard for what the future of electric vehicles would be.

Photo Credit: Driving Electric

Lucid Air

A car company developed the Lucid Air with no previous products and no prior experience in the car industry. But thanks to a comprehensive design process and warranty plan, the Lucid Air is one of the most compelling electric cars on the road. This car offers pure luxury in every sense of the word (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Driving Electric

The Lucid Air is what the future of luxury cars looks like and it’s quite impressive. The interior of the Lucid Air has some of the most expensive materials ever used in a luxury sedan. With a comprehensive warranty and technology, the Lucid Air could compete with some of the finest luxury cars in the world.

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These American Cars Were Never Even Available In The US

The American car industry is the biggest in the world. Its history is fascinating and full of very recognizable American cars. Everyone in the world who even remotely understand cars knows the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, or Jeep Willys. Names like Cadillac, Ram, or Buick are distinctly American. Even non-car people know what they are.

However, due to expansion, American companies opened branches all over the world and produced numerous cars both under familiar and not-so-familiar names that were never offered in the States. So today, we showcased these American models. You might recognize the nameplate, but we guarantee you won’t recognize the shape. Check out these American anomalies below.

Photo Credit: Wiki

Dodge 3700 GT

For many years, the Dodge Dart was one of the best-selling Mopar products in America. But very few people know that it had a significant presence in Spain under the name Dodge 3700. This model wasn’t identical to US-built Darts, but was positioned slightly upmarket. It was the most powerful and expensive car produced in Spain in the 1970s (via Bring A Trailer).

Photo Credit: Pinterest

The first Dodge 3700 GT left the factory in 1971 with a 225 Slant Six engine. The 225 CID is 3.7 liters, hence the 3700 designation. This Dodge got GT brakes, improved suspension, and a luxury interior. That’s why the Spanish government often used it. Production ceased in 1977 after only 9959 examples.

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The Greatest General Motors Cars Of The 1980s and ’90s

General Motors was one of the most iconic automakers during the muscle car era of the 1960s and ’70s. But by the 1980s and 90s, drivers saw General Motors as a far different company. Sales of General Motors cars were slipping and consumer tastes were shifting more toward imports. The company had to adapt quickly, but many of its efforts were short-lived failures like the Pontiac Fiero.

There were a few notable GM cars that came out in the 1980s and ’90s, however, and many were forward-thinking concepts. For example, the Typhoon and Syclone are still considered two of the fastest vehicles ever made. The 1995 Impala SS was also an iconic car that’s still a part of pop culture today. You could also say the C5 Corvette was one of the most iconic Corvette models ever made. So we looked back at the greatest GM creations of the 1980s and ‘90s. Take a trip down memory lane with some of your favorite General Motors cars of decades past here.

Photo Credit: Mecum

1981 Corvette C3

The 1981 Corvette C3 is one of the most controversial Corvette models. Because of the tightening emissions laws at the time, the C3 was only available with a single-engine option. The L81 engine only had a measly 190 horsepower but the rest of the car was flawless. The lines on the C3 Corvette were some of the most beautiful in Corvette history (via Bring a Trailer).

Photo Credit: Hagerty

The interior was also a vast improvement over the previous generations as the car was a lot more livable for the driver. The Corvette C3 was a sports car that suffered from the political climate at the time but its design wasn’t that bad.

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